When five executive members of the Vernon Legion announced they would be stepping aside, there were concerns the aging group would have to cease operations if new volunteers couldn’t be found by the end of April.
The legion has been operating in Vernon more than 90 years. The possible closure raised questions about who would host Remembrance Day ceremonies and the future of the local poppy campaign.
However, new volunteers stepped in and the Vernon Legion now has a full executive to move forward with.
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It’s welcome news for president Bill Balcaen who is leaving his post at the end of April.
“This couldn’t be better… It’s like a breath of fresh air. We needed it,” Balcaen said.
“The good that we can do in a year is pretty significant. [The Legion] distributes in the $60,000 range between our meat draws and our poppy campaign… All of these things are important in the community and there are a lot of groups that benefit from them.”
Balcaen intends to stay on as an active member.